Welcome to G.w.Skene's Admin Blog
Welcome! On our Admin Blog, you will find school celebrations, learning artifacts and important school information for families and our school community.
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Mr. derek siakaluk, principal |
Ms. Jill Scarrow, ap |
WELCOME TO THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR!
Welcome to the new school year! We are excited to welcome our new students, families and staff to our learning community this August. This year, G.W. Skene has started the year with a common text called, "The OK Book" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This simple text reminds us that we always start from where we are, and if we work at it together, sometimes being OK at something can lead to being really great at something! As a staff we identified some OK things of our own and we look forward to seeing how the grade teams use this text to learn about their students' talents and goals. Our school uses the Circle of Courage Philosophy to guide our learning and this year, we have chosen the tenants: Mastery and Independence to focus around in order to support student well-being. We are excited to see where "The OK Book" takes us on this journey!
August 28th, 2018 Student Learning Through The OK Book
Classrooms across the school have been making connections to their learning around The OK Book as students become familiar with routines, expectations and exciting learning in their new classroom communities. This learning was shared with parents and guardians at the Parent Teacher Conferences on August 30th-August 31st.
Classrooms across the school have been making connections to their learning around The OK Book as students become familiar with routines, expectations and exciting learning in their new classroom communities. This learning was shared with parents and guardians at the Parent Teacher Conferences on August 30th-August 31st.
Making our Thinking and Learning Visible
As we start up for the school year, teachers have begun making the learning and thinking of students visible throughout classrooms and our school. This has included students thinking in mathematics, citizenship and literacy.
As we start up for the school year, teachers have begun making the learning and thinking of students visible throughout classrooms and our school. This has included students thinking in mathematics, citizenship and literacy.
2017-2018 school year @ GWS
Thank you, Elder, Brian Little Chief
We are very grateful for the opportunity to have spent the morning at Fish Creek Park with Brian Little Chief who shared his plant teachings with our grade four students last June.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to have spent the morning at Fish Creek Park with Brian Little Chief who shared his plant teachings with our grade four students last June.
Citizenship in Learning @ G.W. Skene
Thanks to Mrs. Valentine for organizing a school-yard clean up this beautiful June afternoon. The students did a fantastic job taking care of our school and were so enthusiastic about their efforts... it was another example of the incredible community spirit at Skene.
Thanks to Mrs. Valentine for organizing a school-yard clean up this beautiful June afternoon. The students did a fantastic job taking care of our school and were so enthusiastic about their efforts... it was another example of the incredible community spirit at Skene.
Grade Four Students & Art Felt Studios: Wow! The grade four students worked with Art Felt Studios to create beautiful art pieces that reflected their learning in Social Studies. Students were diligent in creating these landscapes using wool, needles, water, bubble wrap and lots of patience. Thank you to all of the parents who helped out by volunteering and to Miss Brierley and Mrs. Wells for organizing this learning opportunity.
The Summer Reading Challenge at Forest Lawn Public Library
Thank you to Monique at the Forest Lawn Public Library for stopping by to celebrate The Summer Reading Challenge happening over the summer. Kids can enter online or pop by the library to get their "game board" and start reading to win prizes (including an iPad!). There are so many amazing things happening at the library all summer long... be sure to stop by! Thank you to the Calgary Public Library for all of your support at G.W. Skene this year.
Thank you to Monique at the Forest Lawn Public Library for stopping by to celebrate The Summer Reading Challenge happening over the summer. Kids can enter online or pop by the library to get their "game board" and start reading to win prizes (including an iPad!). There are so many amazing things happening at the library all summer long... be sure to stop by! Thank you to the Calgary Public Library for all of your support at G.W. Skene this year.
Representing Children's Rights Through the Arts
The grade three students at G.W. Skene studied the concept of children's rights through the UN's Declaration. They then looked at these rights comparatively within Canada and the Ukraine. They created shadow images to show the stark differences for many different rights. The images below represent children's access to public education in Canada versus the absence of the right to education within other countries. Thank you to Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Nevelos and Miss Rice for showcasing this student learning.
The grade three students at G.W. Skene studied the concept of children's rights through the UN's Declaration. They then looked at these rights comparatively within Canada and the Ukraine. They created shadow images to show the stark differences for many different rights. The images below represent children's access to public education in Canada versus the absence of the right to education within other countries. Thank you to Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Nevelos and Miss Rice for showcasing this student learning.
What Will Your Legacy Be?
As the grade five students complete their year of becoming change-makers, the students explored the question, "What Will Your Legacy Be?". Mr. Kaduhr organized an opportunity for students to work with a local scientist to learn about local birds and then used reclaimed pieces of wood, nails and hammers to construct bird houses. Students will hang the bird houses throughout the community of Penbrooke and also inside our School Garden. This project has helped students learn that their small actions within the community can have a large important impact. In this case, supporting local bird populations. Thank you to Andrew Stiles for this opportunity.
As the grade five students complete their year of becoming change-makers, the students explored the question, "What Will Your Legacy Be?". Mr. Kaduhr organized an opportunity for students to work with a local scientist to learn about local birds and then used reclaimed pieces of wood, nails and hammers to construct bird houses. Students will hang the bird houses throughout the community of Penbrooke and also inside our School Garden. This project has helped students learn that their small actions within the community can have a large important impact. In this case, supporting local bird populations. Thank you to Andrew Stiles for this opportunity.
Orange Shirt Day Campaign Contest:
Congrats to our grade five students who submitted their art work for the Society for Safe & Caring School's Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt Logo Contest: http://safeandcaring.ca/orangeshirtcontest/
Good Luck to all of our students who submitted an entry!
Congrats to our grade five students who submitted their art work for the Society for Safe & Caring School's Orange Shirt Day T-Shirt Logo Contest: http://safeandcaring.ca/orangeshirtcontest/
Good Luck to all of our students who submitted an entry!
Tim Horton's Camp!
The grade five students and teachers are learning onsite at the Tim Horton's Ranch in Kananaskis Country. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work together through a variety of experiences to learn INDEPENDENCE, BELONGING, GENEROSITY and MASTERY. We are very grateful for this awesome four day experience for our staff and students.
The grade five students and teachers are learning onsite at the Tim Horton's Ranch in Kananaskis Country. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work together through a variety of experiences to learn INDEPENDENCE, BELONGING, GENEROSITY and MASTERY. We are very grateful for this awesome four day experience for our staff and students.
Grade Five "Change Maker Mural"
Room 4 and Artist Mark continue to work towards the creation of the Change Maker mural designed by the students. The content of the mural reflects portraits of Canadian people that reflect a definition of a "change maker"; someone who creates positive change for themselves and others. This work was a part of the grade five student's learning around Canadian citizenship and identity. The students have learned alongside Mark who has taught them through the eyes of an artist.
Room 4 and Artist Mark continue to work towards the creation of the Change Maker mural designed by the students. The content of the mural reflects portraits of Canadian people that reflect a definition of a "change maker"; someone who creates positive change for themselves and others. This work was a part of the grade five student's learning around Canadian citizenship and identity. The students have learned alongside Mark who has taught them through the eyes of an artist.
Spring Concert, 2018
Thank you to the staff and students who put on a wonderful Spring Concert showcasing the learning we did with One World Drumming around the idea of "Drumming Together With Our Hands and Hearts." We were so happy to see so many families and community members who were able to come out and share this celebration with us! Thank you for supporting our school.
Thank you to the staff and students who put on a wonderful Spring Concert showcasing the learning we did with One World Drumming around the idea of "Drumming Together With Our Hands and Hearts." We were so happy to see so many families and community members who were able to come out and share this celebration with us! Thank you for supporting our school.
One World Drumming! Thank you to Roger from One World Drumming for introducing us to Western African Drumming. We have learned so much about how to listen, respond and work as ONE.
Living Wall is Full of Life!
Congrats to Mrs. Tonkin's grade five class on the completion of their Living Wall Project. It has beautified our front hallway and we love the learning connections it has brought to Skene.
Congrats to Mrs. Tonkin's grade five class on the completion of their Living Wall Project. It has beautified our front hallway and we love the learning connections it has brought to Skene.
Calgary PALS come to visit our SKILL Class!
Our SKILL Class was visited by PALS (Pet Access League Society) today. Students fell in love with the the two visiting dogs and were so happy to spend time with them! PALS is a wonderful organization that supports schools, hospitals, elderly care homes and many more places. For more information see their website: http://www.palspets.com/pals-history.html.
Our SKILL Class was visited by PALS (Pet Access League Society) today. Students fell in love with the the two visiting dogs and were so happy to spend time with them! PALS is a wonderful organization that supports schools, hospitals, elderly care homes and many more places. For more information see their website: http://www.palspets.com/pals-history.html.
Author Visits G.W. Skene During WordFest!
Room 11 welcomed Jillian Tamaki into their classroom this week to inspire our young writers & illustrators. We are very grateful for this gifted learning opportunity from Wordfest Calgary.
Room 11 welcomed Jillian Tamaki into their classroom this week to inspire our young writers & illustrators. We are very grateful for this gifted learning opportunity from Wordfest Calgary.
GWS Honors Pink Shirt Day! This year at GWS our school honored Pink Shirt Day by hosting an assembly with company, "Movement with a Message". Our Pink Shirt Crew did some great fundraising ($130.00!) by selling baked goods to support an organization or cause of their choice. They also folded more than 200 origami pink shirts that were given out to each student within our school to display messages of BELONGING.
Quest Theatre! We welcomed Quest Theatre into our school for a special performance of "The Sinking Island". We loved the student and teacher participation and all the laughs & learning that came along with this onsite learning experience for students.
Change Maker Mural Continues!
Artist Mark and the students of Room 4 are busy at work representing their drawings of Canadian Change Makers and what's special to G.W. Skene students in their legacy mural. This week has focused on adding the drawings and some color to bring the mural to life!
Artist Mark and the students of Room 4 are busy at work representing their drawings of Canadian Change Makers and what's special to G.W. Skene students in their legacy mural. This week has focused on adding the drawings and some color to bring the mural to life!
Becoming Mathematical Problem Solvers
This year as a part of our School Development Plan, students are learning to become problem solvers within Mathematics. The teachers have been hard at work designing learning opportunities for students to improve their communication in this process.
This year as a part of our School Development Plan, students are learning to become problem solvers within Mathematics. The teachers have been hard at work designing learning opportunities for students to improve their communication in this process.
Alien Inline Skating!
Our second year of Alien Inline Skating was a success. Thanks to Instructor Shak for providing great instruction. Thank you also to our families who were able to attend Family Skate Night on February 22nd.
Our second year of Alien Inline Skating was a success. Thanks to Instructor Shak for providing great instruction. Thank you also to our families who were able to attend Family Skate Night on February 22nd.
Grade Five Change-Makers Bring Living Plants to GWS!
The students of Room 11 have been hard at work designing and creating a "Living Wall" that will not only beautify our school, but bring in a natural ecosystem. Artist Lane Shordee and Horticulturist Nicky have supported this learning and we are grateful for their involvement in the process.
The students of Room 11 have been hard at work designing and creating a "Living Wall" that will not only beautify our school, but bring in a natural ecosystem. Artist Lane Shordee and Horticulturist Nicky have supported this learning and we are grateful for their involvement in the process.
Grade Five Change-Makers Bring Mural to Life!
The students of Room 4 have begun their work with Artist Mark creating a mural in our back hallway that reflects what was important to them & leaving a legacy at GWS! The content of the mural will take about 8 weeks to complete and students will be supporting Mark in the process. We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with Mark the Artist and this opportunity to beautify our school and empower our students by leaving a positive leadership mark on our school.
The students of Room 4 have begun their work with Artist Mark creating a mural in our back hallway that reflects what was important to them & leaving a legacy at GWS! The content of the mural will take about 8 weeks to complete and students will be supporting Mark in the process. We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with Mark the Artist and this opportunity to beautify our school and empower our students by leaving a positive leadership mark on our school.
Becoming Mathematical Problem Solvers
This year at G.W. Skene, our school is focusing on improving our understanding of mathematical problem solving. Our students have been hard at work doing this within their classrooms! In the images above, students in Room 6 are making their problem solving visible on the white board. The SKILL Class is busy learning how to measure, pour and stir to make strawberry pancakes!
Wonderful Christmas Spirit and Generosity!
The 2017 school year ended wonderfully on December 21st. Thank you to Mr. Morrison for donating his time and singing voice for a morning of caroling. Our Grade Five Ambassadors also showed a great deal of generosity cleaning up our school before the break and helping Mr. Dang get ready for the holidays. The Grade Three students in Room Six created kindness cards to donate to the DI Center in Calgary. The DI serves thousands of clients a day and we know that these cards and donations of warm socks, gloves, scarves and toques will bring a lot of cheer to these clients. On behalf of our school community, we would also like to say thank you to the generous school communities of Prince of Whales School and New Brighton School whose generosity was felt deeply at G.W. Skene.
We look forward to seeing all of the students back on January 15th, 2018!
The 2017 school year ended wonderfully on December 21st. Thank you to Mr. Morrison for donating his time and singing voice for a morning of caroling. Our Grade Five Ambassadors also showed a great deal of generosity cleaning up our school before the break and helping Mr. Dang get ready for the holidays. The Grade Three students in Room Six created kindness cards to donate to the DI Center in Calgary. The DI serves thousands of clients a day and we know that these cards and donations of warm socks, gloves, scarves and toques will bring a lot of cheer to these clients. On behalf of our school community, we would also like to say thank you to the generous school communities of Prince of Whales School and New Brighton School whose generosity was felt deeply at G.W. Skene.
We look forward to seeing all of the students back on January 15th, 2018!
Grade Four Showcases their HIP HOP Skills!
Thank you again to Miss Brittany, St. Mary's University Student, who volunteered her time to teach our grade four students Hip Hop Dance! Mrs. Wells, Miss Brierley and Mrs. Morrison's students shared their learning with the school community and were proud of their awesome skills!
Thank you again to Miss Brittany, St. Mary's University Student, who volunteered her time to teach our grade four students Hip Hop Dance! Mrs. Wells, Miss Brierley and Mrs. Morrison's students shared their learning with the school community and were proud of their awesome skills!
Hockey Heroes!
G.W. Skene students participate in Hockey Heroes every year! Kids go out twice a week after school to learn hockey skills and practice "Hero Behaviors": Listening, Respect, Discipline and Having Fun!
On Thursday November 30th, our Hockey Heroes went to the Calgary Flames game! Go Flames, Go! Check out the Hockey Heroes website: https://onemillionskates.com/heroshockey/
G.W. Skene students participate in Hockey Heroes every year! Kids go out twice a week after school to learn hockey skills and practice "Hero Behaviors": Listening, Respect, Discipline and Having Fun!
On Thursday November 30th, our Hockey Heroes went to the Calgary Flames game! Go Flames, Go! Check out the Hockey Heroes website: https://onemillionskates.com/heroshockey/
Resiliency Summit: Kananaskis, Alberta (November 23rd & 24th)
A team of six from G.W. Skene attended the Resiliency Summit of Alberta: Honoring Indigenous Youth; a Path to Wellness, over the course of two days at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis with hundreds of other youth, teachers, Elders, key notes and community members from all over Alberta. Mrs. Tonkin, Miss Hirst, Mrs. Scarrow and four students had a blast! We traveled by bus both days and learned traditional games, engaged in art and heard from some pretty inspiring speakers including Karlee Fellner & Leroy Little Bear. We were honored to be a part of this learning and look forward to sharing this exciting learning with our school community.
A team of six from G.W. Skene attended the Resiliency Summit of Alberta: Honoring Indigenous Youth; a Path to Wellness, over the course of two days at the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis with hundreds of other youth, teachers, Elders, key notes and community members from all over Alberta. Mrs. Tonkin, Miss Hirst, Mrs. Scarrow and four students had a blast! We traveled by bus both days and learned traditional games, engaged in art and heard from some pretty inspiring speakers including Karlee Fellner & Leroy Little Bear. We were honored to be a part of this learning and look forward to sharing this exciting learning with our school community.
G.W. Skene Honors Remembrance Day
Thank you to Room Six and Mrs. Nevelos for leading the Remembrance Day Assembly at G.W. Skene. The students did a fantastic job showing respectful behavior and we were proud of the thoughtfulness showed throughout many classrooms to honor this special day.
Thank you to Room Six and Mrs. Nevelos for leading the Remembrance Day Assembly at G.W. Skene. The students did a fantastic job showing respectful behavior and we were proud of the thoughtfulness showed throughout many classrooms to honor this special day.
Winter Fun - Soccer Goes On!!
We have been enjoying getting outside to have some fun in the snow. Thank you to Mr. Kaduhr, Mrs. Nevelos, Mrs. Tonkin and Mr. Marino for continuing to run soccer club! We have some very dedicated players who love to play snow, rain or shine!
We have been enjoying getting outside to have some fun in the snow. Thank you to Mr. Kaduhr, Mrs. Nevelos, Mrs. Tonkin and Mr. Marino for continuing to run soccer club! We have some very dedicated players who love to play snow, rain or shine!
Robotics Club @ G.W. Skene
Thank you to Mr. Marino for organizing our Robotics Club this year. Students are learning a lot about programming within Science and Mathematics. They are also becoming scientists through the process of testing, experimenting and collaborating with each other to make their robots work.
Thank you to Mr. Marino for organizing our Robotics Club this year. Students are learning a lot about programming within Science and Mathematics. They are also becoming scientists through the process of testing, experimenting and collaborating with each other to make their robots work.
Happy Halloween!
The students and staff wore some great costumes and put on an awesome parade to celebrate Halloween at G.W. Skene School.
The students and staff wore some great costumes and put on an awesome parade to celebrate Halloween at G.W. Skene School.
Family Dance! October 26th, 2017
Thank you to the families who joined us for our Family Dance on the evening of October 26th inside our school gym. The students, parents and family members who came out had a great time. There were lots of prizes, snacks and drinks sold... and an awesome DJ who kept the crowd busy dancing. Thank you to our School Council Chair for organizing parent volunteers to pop the popcorn sold by our student ambassadors. We look forward to our Halloween Costume Parade on the afternoon of October 31st! We wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
Thank you to the families who joined us for our Family Dance on the evening of October 26th inside our school gym. The students, parents and family members who came out had a great time. There were lots of prizes, snacks and drinks sold... and an awesome DJ who kept the crowd busy dancing. Thank you to our School Council Chair for organizing parent volunteers to pop the popcorn sold by our student ambassadors. We look forward to our Halloween Costume Parade on the afternoon of October 31st! We wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
Gardening Club and SKILL prepare the school garden for winter!
Throughout October our SKILL students and gardening club members dug tree wells, picked up garbage in our school yard and got all of the plants ready for the winter ahead. They are planning another community clean up during the first week of November.
Throughout October our SKILL students and gardening club members dug tree wells, picked up garbage in our school yard and got all of the plants ready for the winter ahead. They are planning another community clean up during the first week of November.
Hip Hop Begins in Grade Four!
We would like to welcome our amazing volunteer, Miss Brittany, to G.W. Skene to teach our grade four students Hip Hop dance. Miss Brittany will be with us weekly until Christmas! During this time, she will teach a variety of dances during Physical Education.
We would like to welcome our amazing volunteer, Miss Brittany, to G.W. Skene to teach our grade four students Hip Hop dance. Miss Brittany will be with us weekly until Christmas! During this time, she will teach a variety of dances during Physical Education.
Thank You to our AWESOME Community!
We want to send out a huge thank you to our families and friends (especially the Friends of Skene Fundraising Society) for your generous help with our Casino held on October 12th and 13th at Deerfoot Inn and Casino. We would also like to thank the School Council at Andrew Sibbald School for their volunteers as well. We could not have done it without you! The funds raised will make a significant impact on our school, especially for purchasing technology and other important materials and student experiences.
Thank you as well, to all of the parents and guardians who purchased our ADmazing Coupon Books. We had a successful campaign this year. Way to go students - our top five sellers will be announced during the week of October 23rd!
We want to send out a huge thank you to our families and friends (especially the Friends of Skene Fundraising Society) for your generous help with our Casino held on October 12th and 13th at Deerfoot Inn and Casino. We would also like to thank the School Council at Andrew Sibbald School for their volunteers as well. We could not have done it without you! The funds raised will make a significant impact on our school, especially for purchasing technology and other important materials and student experiences.
Thank you as well, to all of the parents and guardians who purchased our ADmazing Coupon Books. We had a successful campaign this year. Way to go students - our top five sellers will be announced during the week of October 23rd!
Change Makers and Legacy @ G.W. Skene School
This year many of our students are looking at the importance of becoming Change Makers and understanding what legacy is, and why its important. During the week of September 29th, we celebrated Orange Shirt Day at G.W. Skene. Students told us that Phyllis is an excellent example of being a Change Maker - helping Canadians work towards Reconciliation. We honored her story and we also honored the story of Chanie Wenjack who did not survive Residential School. Thank you to Pittoysis Family School for sharing 6 drums played by some of our grade five students and Miss Hirst who led a gifted song during our assembly.
This year many of our students are looking at the importance of becoming Change Makers and understanding what legacy is, and why its important. During the week of September 29th, we celebrated Orange Shirt Day at G.W. Skene. Students told us that Phyllis is an excellent example of being a Change Maker - helping Canadians work towards Reconciliation. We honored her story and we also honored the story of Chanie Wenjack who did not survive Residential School. Thank you to Pittoysis Family School for sharing 6 drums played by some of our grade five students and Miss Hirst who led a gifted song during our assembly.
Terry Fox Run!
Thank you to Room 11 and Mrs. Tonkin for organizing our Terry Fox Run this year. It was a beautiful morning to be out for the run. Thanks also, to the parents and family members who joined us.
Thank you to Room 11 and Mrs. Tonkin for organizing our Terry Fox Run this year. It was a beautiful morning to be out for the run. Thanks also, to the parents and family members who joined us.
DON'T WALK IN THE HALLWAY! Supporting Physical Literacy and Mindful Movements
September 22nd, 2017
This year at G.W. Skene, some of our grade four and five students helped us convert one of our back hallways into to a space for physical literacy and a place to do mindful movements. To begin, they planned out what movement could be represented by each shape (triangles, squares, rectangles and circles). Then, they planned out how the shapes would be placed along the hallway. Lastly, they created posters to teach our school how to use the hallway.
September 22nd, 2017
This year at G.W. Skene, some of our grade four and five students helped us convert one of our back hallways into to a space for physical literacy and a place to do mindful movements. To begin, they planned out what movement could be represented by each shape (triangles, squares, rectangles and circles). Then, they planned out how the shapes would be placed along the hallway. Lastly, they created posters to teach our school how to use the hallway.
G.W. Skene's School Council 2017-2018
September 14th, 2017
Our first School Council meeting was held on September 14th. Positions for the School Council were secured, including School Council Chair and Co-Chair.
We invite all parents and guardians to join us for School Council to share ideas, goals and hopes for both James Short Memorial and G.W. Skene School. It's also a great opportunity to bring your questions for discussion. Currently, School Council meets once a month on Thursdays at 3:45. Babysitting is available. The current focus for School Council is on our Casino which will be held on October 12th and 13th, 2017. Please contact our School Council Chair or Adminstration for more information.
Thank you for your support!
September 14th, 2017
Our first School Council meeting was held on September 14th. Positions for the School Council were secured, including School Council Chair and Co-Chair.
We invite all parents and guardians to join us for School Council to share ideas, goals and hopes for both James Short Memorial and G.W. Skene School. It's also a great opportunity to bring your questions for discussion. Currently, School Council meets once a month on Thursdays at 3:45. Babysitting is available. The current focus for School Council is on our Casino which will be held on October 12th and 13th, 2017. Please contact our School Council Chair or Adminstration for more information.
Thank you for your support!
Orange Shirt Day - Please Join Us on September 28th
On September 28th at 1:30 we will be celebrating Orange Shirt Day at G.W. Skene. Orange Shirt Day is held across many schools to honor the stories of Residential School survivors and is based on the idea that, “Every Child Matters”. Last year at our school during our assembly we had a few indigenous students and knowledge keepers share with our school community. We want to extend the same invitation out this year. If your child or a family member could share at our assembly with us that afternoon, please let us know. You can call the school and speak with Mr. Siakaluk or Mrs. Scarrow in person. Or send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected] .
We look forward to this important assembly and sharing student work around the Circle of Courage and the importance of Belonging within our school community.
Thank you!
On September 28th at 1:30 we will be celebrating Orange Shirt Day at G.W. Skene. Orange Shirt Day is held across many schools to honor the stories of Residential School survivors and is based on the idea that, “Every Child Matters”. Last year at our school during our assembly we had a few indigenous students and knowledge keepers share with our school community. We want to extend the same invitation out this year. If your child or a family member could share at our assembly with us that afternoon, please let us know. You can call the school and speak with Mr. Siakaluk or Mrs. Scarrow in person. Or send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected] .
We look forward to this important assembly and sharing student work around the Circle of Courage and the importance of Belonging within our school community.
Thank you!
G.W.Skene's Beautification Project
Last spring our grade four students installed beautiful fence art which they designed and painted as a part of their literacy and mathematics learning. Students collected school population data to represent student's home countries in the form of flags and colors and then applied this to designs of flowers, bees and other insects located in our school garden. Thank you to Mrs. Wells & Mrs. Tonkin and the grade four students who took up this work. Also, another thank you to our gardening committee who has planted and taken care of the new perennials. Our Student Community Club has already started planning for the 2017-2018 school year.
Last spring our grade four students installed beautiful fence art which they designed and painted as a part of their literacy and mathematics learning. Students collected school population data to represent student's home countries in the form of flags and colors and then applied this to designs of flowers, bees and other insects located in our school garden. Thank you to Mrs. Wells & Mrs. Tonkin and the grade four students who took up this work. Also, another thank you to our gardening committee who has planted and taken care of the new perennials. Our Student Community Club has already started planning for the 2017-2018 school year.
Skene's Student Community Club - September, 2017
The School Garden gets some TLC from Skene's Community Club with the support of Miss Szasz and Mrs. Valentine!
The School Garden gets some TLC from Skene's Community Club with the support of Miss Szasz and Mrs. Valentine!
The Circle of Courage at G.W. Skene
This year as begun with a continuation of our focus on deepening our understanding of the Circle of Courage and how belonging, generosity, independence and mastery live through the daily work taken up by staff and students at our school. This language is used in class meetings, for problem solving, to support the assessment and teaching of socio-emotional learning, and through our school-wide focus on the book, "Somewhere Today: a Book of Peace" in literacy. Each week students are also recognized for their demonstration of these four tenants; a special tradition at G.W. Skene!
School Start Up! August 15th, 2017
It's been a great start to the school year. We look forward to an excellent year ahead. Here are a few great photos snapped on the first day of school...
It's been a great start to the school year. We look forward to an excellent year ahead. Here are a few great photos snapped on the first day of school...